Have technical proficiency in photography with an emphasis on composition, depth, light interaction, tone and colour

Communicate with colleagues and work as part of a team

Understand the different elements of the VFX pipeline, including compositing, lighting and matchmaking

Take direction and critical feedback in your work

Manage your priorities to move each work through the VFX pipeline

Constantly develop your skills to keep up with new technologies

Apply your skills across a range of different software packages

WHAT DOES A MATTE PAINTER DO?

A Matte Painter creates virtual backgrounds used to either replace or enhance live action photographed plates. The artist works with stills taken from live action photography, digital still photography, rendered CG elements and digital paint to create believable ‘environments’ that are seamlessly integrated into the film by compositing artists. Matte painting now tends to come under the umbrella of environment work, completed in the larger VFX companies by an environment team/department. However, in smaller VFX houses, many artists may contribute to all the different sections of the VFX pipeline.

Matte painting in itself is as old as the history of VFX – originally using oil painting directly onto glass in front of the camera, helping create the wonderful worlds seen in the original Star Wars and Indiana Jones films. It is the area of VFX that has both changed the most and changed least over the years.

Will I need a qualification?

Most VFX Artists are likely to have done either a VFX undergraduate or postgraduate course or undergone training with a private training provider. Some study Art at College or University but are likely then to enter the industry as a Runner and use that as an opportunity to be trained ‘on the job’ in all the junior 2D roles including rotoscoping and paint/prep. Some companies provide formal training as a Runner, either through formal mentoring or by being asked to work on training shots independently. Qualifications in Computer Science, Physics, Art and Maths are all looked upon favourably in junior VFX roles.

WHAT’S THE BEST ROUTE IN?

Matte Painters usually come from traditional art and design backgrounds. Although a showreel of matte painting work can be called for, consisting of landscapes, set extensions and interiors. Images demonstrating careful skill in integration, match grading and an understanding of depth of field, exposure, scale, lens distortion and grain can also be presented as part of job applications.

It is possible to move into matte painting with more of a blend of skills in 2D digital preparation (prep/paint) or junior compositing – particularly for people who show skills as part of their junior compositing showreel. Use breakdowns to show how your work was built up in layers and with colour adjustments. Photorealistic work is always in-demand.

RELATED JOB ROLES

COMPOSITOR
Compositors construct the final image by combining layers of previously created material, including computer animation, special effects, graphics, 2D animation and static background scenes.

MODELLER
Modellers build three dimensional computer models of everything that is needed for a project.

COMIC ANIMATIONS

Comic Animations is a content creation and intellectual property company which partners with talented screenwriters and filmmakers, taking creative concepts from initial development and seed financing through to final delivery.

CINESITE

Cinesite works with filmmakers around the world to bring their vision to life. An essential part of the creative process for over 20 years, they have worked on visual effects for a wide range of films, from independent productions to box office smashes. With studios in London and Montréal, Cinesite offers world-class services to a mutual global customer base.

ANIMEZ MONTREAL

We aim to help anyone looking to get involved in the animation industry, but we’ve zoned in on four particular parties; Creative Talent, Creative Businesses, Creative Professionals & Creative Educators. Whether or not you fit into these four areas, feel free to get in touch to see what we can do for you!